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Where you live and where you are in life shapes what you value in a home

A new survey from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) finds that region, demographics and household composition are all factors in determining which features and amenities buyers value in a home.

Some interesting findings: Repeat buyers, new construction buyers, married couples and families with children tend to buy larger homes while first-time buyers and single women are the most likely to opt for older homes.

Seventy-eight percent of buyers bought a home with a garage, and garages are the most popular with new-home buyers, those buying in the suburbs and Midwesterners. Also popular with Midwest buyers: homes with basements.

Read NAR’s news release on the new survey for details and information on how you can order it, but here are a few of the highlights:

Older buyers and single women place greater importance on finding single-level homes. Single men were more likely to value a home with a finished basement.

Single men and married couples placed higher importance on having new kitchen appliances.

The majority of buyers, 65 percent, said central air conditioning was the most important home feature.

Rooms that buyers were willing to pay the most for were basements and in-law suites.

About Stephanie Sievers

Stephanie Sievers is Senior Editor for the Illinois Association of REALTORS®. She serves as Senior Editor for IAR publications including the Illinois REALTOR® magazine and all other IAR publications. She is responsible for developing content for the Illinois REALTOR® Weekly Connection e-newsletter, coordinates the IAR Twitter account content at ILREALTOR and plans and develops content for videos. She assists in developing and writing content for the IAR blog. She also is involved in researching and drafting news releases and coordinates the news media distribution database and newsclips reports for the Association. She also assists in IAR spokesperson training seminars and is involved in development of association briefing materials on issues. She assists with the housing statistics program and reports.